How to Pitch Your New Business Perfectly

There’s no denying we’re operating in a challenging business climate. Competition is healthy, but to stand out from the crowd and nail new business opportunities, you’ve got to do your homework.

Negotiating with new business client

Understanding your own business inside out is only half of the battle —you’ve also got to demonstrate that you have a thorough appreciation of those you want to work with too.

The good news is that in the digital age, it’s much easier to do your research than previously, thanks to the convenient tools and websites we now have at our fingertips.

Research your pitching prospect

When you’re looking for information about the people you’re pitching to, Google is your best friend.…

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How to Say No in the Business World: 4 Tips

No.

It’s one of the simplest words in the English language. Two letters, one syllable, incredibly commonplace. In fact, it even transcends language. Whether you’re in the jungles of South America, the city lights of Paris, or the plains of the United States, your audience knows exactly what you mean when you say no.

Say no

Why, then, is it so difficult to tell someone no – particularly in the business world? Why would we much rather say yes, even when no is the correct statement? These are questions worth exploring – so let’s take a look.

Why We Avoid Saying No

We all have our own unique reasons for saying no – many of them specific to the situation or scenario at hand – but it often comes down to one of three factors: fear of conflict, unwillingness to disappoint, and a desire to fit in.…

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How to Plan a Business Dinner With a Client

Every January, thousands of professionals and entrepreneurs gather in Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES)—one of the biggest trade expos in the technology calendar. During the daytime, some of the biggest companies and most exciting startups in the world put their new products on display. But according to one insider, “the real show begins about four hours later,” at dinner.

Business dinner

When the trade show’s doors close for the evening, entrepreneurs flood local restaurants, wining and dining potential clients with whom they want to work in the next year. With a little luck, these meals will lead to deals.…

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4 Tips for Crafting a Proposal Worthy of a ‘Yes’

When you’re in business, there are several times when you may be faced with writing a proposal to get something you want. Maybe you have an idea for expansion, but need some extra funding so you’re looking for investors. Or, perhaps you deal a lot with government contracts and have to submit a proposal in order to be considered for the job.

It's a deal!

Regardless of your circumstance or need, there’s nothing worse than taking the time to put together a lengthy proposal only to hear that it wasn’t accepted or approved. To keep that from happening to you, here are four tips to consider.…

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How to Make Negotiation your Super Power

Negotiation is a tool we all need at every turn. Business, better salary, leave permission, angry spouse, rebellious kid, street vendor; you name it. Mastering the art of negotiation can make your life much easy.

Businesswoman with negotiation super power

Especially in business negotiations, there is a lot at stake and you simply cannot afford to lose.

With so much pressure riding, it is important go in prepared and use some tips and tricks to ease your way into the talk.

Here are some lessons I learnt from my personal experience and research on how to nail a negotiation.

1. Give succinct anecdotes to prove your point

People like stories from the past to relate to.…

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